With the 2016 NFL Draft tonight, here's a look at five players many experts think the Cardinals will take with their first-round pick (29th overall).
Click on each player's name for his NFL Draft profile.
1. Paxton Lynch (quarterback, Memphis)
The Cardinals may be looking for their QB of the future in this year's draft, and several of the most recent mock drafts have Lynch headed to the Valley.
The 6-foot-7, 244-pound Memphis product is described as a good decision-maker but will need time to adjust to the NFL. That could make him a good fit to learn behind Cardinals QB Carson Palmer. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Lynch, who is described as one of the most athletically gifted QBs in the draft, reminds him of Palmer.
See also: 5 quarterbacks the Cardinals might select in the NFL Draft
2. Ryan Kelly (center, Alabama)
Experts from NFL.com, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and elsewhere predict the 6-foot-4, 311-pounder will go to the Cards, with one analyst noting the team should continue to “invest” in bolstering its offensive line.
Kelly’s official draft profile notes he finishes his blocks well and “has the necessary skill set and football intelligence to step in and challenge for a starting position right away.”
3. Noah Spence (outside linebacker, Eastern Kentucky)
Spence has had to overcome some off-field issues (failed drug tests, an arrest for alcohol intoxication), but NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks says 6-foot-2, 251-pounder could be a great get if he falls to the Cards late in the first round.
Spence is an outstanding pass rusher, and NFL.com notes he should become a starter “early in his career,” though the speed of the NFL game may take some getting used to.
4. Robert Nkemdiche (defensive tackle, Mississippi)
The 6-foot-3, 294-pounder was the nation's highest-rated prospect coming out of high school and "has the talent to be an impact starter in the league," according to NFL.com.
Like Spence, Nkemdiche has had some off-field issues, as he was suspended from last season's Sugar Bowl after being charged with marijuana possession. But USA TODAY's Nate Davis believes Nkemdiche "will be a steal" if Arians and the Cards coaching staff can help get him on track.
On, and there's also this.
Robert Nkemdiche wants a pet panther. That's how he plans to treat himself when he signs his rookie contract. https://t.co/FZQB6VLhZk
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 18, 2016
5. Leonard Floyd (outside linebacker, Georgia)
NFL.com describes the 6-foot-6, 244-pounder as "painfully thin" but possesses the "traits as a pass rusher that would be a mistake to ignore." Floyd could be a decent complement to pass-rushing specialist Chandler Jones, whom the Cardinals traded for in March.
CBS Sports' Dane Brugler projects Floyd going to the Cardinals, as the Birdgang will look to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks next season. Floyd "doesn't offer much power, but has the flexible bend and burst to threaten the corner," Brugler wrote.
